Nabilone capsules (all strengths)
- Drugs List
- Therapeutic Indications
- Dosage
- Contraindications
- Precautions and Warnings
- Pregnancy and Lactation
- Side Effects
- Monograph
Presentation
Oral formulations containing nabilone.
Drugs List
Therapeutic Indications
Uses
Nausea & vomiting of cancer chemotherapy when conventional antiemetics fail
Dosage
Adults
To minimise side effects start 1mg twice daily and increased if necessary to 2mg twice daily. The first dose should be administered the night before initiation of chemotherapy, and the second dose should be given 1 to 3 hours before the first dose of the oncolytic agent is administered.
The maximum daily dose should not exceed 6mg, given in three divided doses.
Nabilone may be administered throughout each cycle of chemotherapy and, if necessary, for 48 hours after the last dose of each cycle. Data on the chronic use of nabilone are not available.
Contraindications
Children under 18 years
Breastfeeding
Pregnancy
Severe hepatic impairment
Precautions and Warnings
Elderly
Cardiac disorder
History of psychiatric disorder
Hypertension
Advise impaired alertness may affect ability to drive or operate machinery
Patient should be closely observed, if possible within an inpatient setting
Potential for drug abuse
Adverse psychiatric reactions can continue for 48-72hrs after stopping drug
May cause postural hypotension
Patient should be made aware of possible adverse effects on mood/behaviour
Advise patient to avoid alcohol during treatment
Nabilone can elevate supine and standing heart rates.
Nabilone is an abusable substance. Prescriptions should be limited to the amount necessary.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Use nabilone is contraindicated during pregnancy.
The manufacturer does not recommend using nabilone during pregnancy unless if clearly needed. At the time of writing there is limited published information regarding the use of nabilone during pregnancy. Potential risks are unknown.
Lactation
Nabilone is contraindicated during breastfeeding.
The manufacturer does not recommend breastfeeding whilst taking nabilone. The presence of nabilone in human breast milk and effects on exposed infants are unknown.
Side Effects
Abdominal pain
Ataxia
Concentration disturbances
Confusion
Decreased appetite
Depression
Disorientation
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Dysphoria
Euphoria
Hallucinations
Headache
Hypotension
Impaired co-ordination
Nausea
Psychosis
Sleep disturbances
Tachycardia
Tolerance
Tremor
Vertigo
Visual disturbances
Overdosage
It is strongly recommended that the UK National Poisons Information Service be consulted on cases of suspected or actual overdose where there is doubt over the degree of risk or about appropriate management.
The following number will direct the caller to the relevant local centre (0844) 892 0111
Information may be obtained if you have access to ToxBase the primary clinical toxicology database of the National Poisons Information Service. This is available via password on the internet ( www.toxbase.org ) or if this is unavailable at the backup site ( www.toxbasebackup.org ).
Further Information
Last Full Review Date: October 2019
Reference Sources
Summary of Product Characteristics: Nabilone 0.25mg Capsules. Brown & Burk UK Ltd. September 2018.
Summary of Product Characteristics: Nabilone 1mg Capsules. Brown & Burk UK Ltd. September 2018.
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